AhR−/− mice retinal cells are functional despite scattered bipolar to RCG connections.

<p>Immunohistochemistry experiments were performed in retina sections of adult AhR+/+ and AhR−/− mice. AhR+/+ and AhR−/− retina at P56 is represented. Retinal ganglion cells (RGC) are labeled with antibodies against ßIII-tubulin; bipolar cells are labeled with antibodies against PKCα (Protein Kinase Cα), nucleus is labeled with DAPI; amacrine and displaced amacrine cells are labeled with both antibodies against calbindin (CaBP)-D28k and calretinin. Horizontal cells are stained with antibodies against calbindin. The density of RGC, bipolar, amacrine and displaced amacrine, and horizontal cells are not significant different between AhR+/+ and AhR−/− mice (see quantifications at the bottom of the figure). The thickness of the ONL is the same between both genotypes. The white arrows in the bottom panel of the PKCa staining indicate a disorganization of the synapses between the bipolar cells and the RGCs in some AhR−/− mice. Scale bar = 25 µm. ONL: Outer Nuclear Layer, INL: Inner Nuclear Layer, GCL: Ganglion Cells Layer, OPL: Outer Plexiform Layer, IPL: Inner Plexiform Layer.